For quite some time now we Sydney-siders have noticed a rise in the amount of cranes popping up around our city , closely followed by the opening of impressive high rise apartments. However, it seems projects are shifting within the construction industry with the amount of residential projects experiencing a slow period. To counteract this decline, the industry is now experiencing an increase in commercial projects which has allowed the sector to continue to thrive.
 
In such a populated city such as Sydney there was a constant demand for more accommodation which prompted the creation of a mass amount of high rise apartments. However, this demand has shifted and is now for commercial spaces such as offices, retail properties and hotels. Now more than ever individuals and companies alike have the financial stability and entrepreneurial drive to invest into infrastructure and structural upgrades to further their business ventures, which not only reflects the strength of our economy at the moment, but creates a bright and stable future for the construction sector as a whole.
 
Whether it be a demand for residential or commercial projects, the construction sector is booming, meaning your friendly neighbourhood cranes are not going anywhere soon. 

Aluminium Composite Panels (ACP) have always been a trusted building material for constructing medium and high rise buildings across the nation. However,  it seems the cladding material is facing scrutiny following aluminium cladding related fires in Melbourne’s’ Lacrosse Building and London’s Grenfell Tower. 

Why do builders opt for this material?
 
Builders select this material for its versatility, compared to alternatives it can be moulded and shaped to fit a design specification and perfect for where lightweight sheeting is required. ACPs are also a great economical choice, as the material itself is much cheaper than non-combustible panelling systems and requires a smaller team to get the job done. 
 
What is the issue?
 
The main issue with the use of Aluminium Composite Panels (ACP) is, its contents. The main component of ACP is Polyethylene (PE). Although Polyethylene is a common plastic, it has the power to be quite hazardous. Australian Safety Engineer, Mr Tony Enright commented on the nature of this perilous plastic stating that, “a kilogram of polyethylene will release the same amount of energy as a kilogram of petrol”.
You can just imagine the outcome when that material comes in contact with fire. The other issue with this material is that it is usually imported from countries such as the United States, Germany, China and Brazil. The use of these imported materials is not ideal as it is difficult to assess whether they are compliant with Australian standards.
The Response:
 
In September 2017, The Australian Senate Economic Reference Committee recommended that the Federal Government implement a number of restrictions for building professionals. These included a total ban on the use and sale of Aluminium Composite Panels with a Polyethylene core and penalties for those who did not comply, among other measures.
 
BellMont have experience in assessing this material type and are commencing one of the first “recladding projects “on a King St Wharf property, based on the new regulations. We have been working closely with a leading material supplier and are now able to specify the use of suitable, compliant aluminium cladding material to replace the current material. The new material complies with new regulations with regard to fire performance. Stay tuned for updated information on this exciting project.
 
If you are concerned with your façade cladding and require BellMonts assistance, let us know by sending us an email at [email protected]. We’d be more than happy to help! Until then take a moment and get to know us a little better by checking out our King St Wharf Facade Refurbishment Project and other works at, www.bellmont.net.

​The term digitalisation refers to the improving or transformation of a business’s operations through the use of technology and data, tools which can be used to benefit the business’s knowledge of the market and boost productivity.
 
In the last few years many sectors within the business world have undergone digital transformations in order to stay competitive and relevant. While the construction sector is said to be behind other sectors such as the music and communications industries, in terms of digitalisation, there is evidence to suggest the industry is beginning to explore the technological advancements available.
 
More than ever before, technology is playing a huge role in the success of a business, offering more effective ways to complete tasks and in turn changing the way business can be done. In recent years, the construction industry has been experimenting with technology and how it can be used to work more efficiently and effectively, through the use of technologies such as Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality. Testing of these technologies within the construction sector has shown that they can be used for training purposes and as the perfect visual aid for project pitches.
 
While the digital transformation of the construction sector is inevitable, we are excited to see what the construction industry will look like with the integration of more technological components.